Post navigation

Are you a distracted driver?

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Wichita Falls Police Department wants to remind you that distracted driving can be deadly.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 3,166 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2017.
Texting while driving distracts a driver visually, manually, and cognitively. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving blind at 55 miles per hour for the length of an entire football field.
Follow these steps for a safe driving experience:
-If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
-Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
-Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cellphone use can be habit-forming.
-Put your cellphone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination.